Super Nintendo · Shoot 'em Up / Shooter
Space Invaders
Certified classic
| System | Super Nintendo |
|---|---|
| Released | 1997 (originally 1978) |
| Genre | Shoot 'em Up, Shooter |
| Developer | Taito |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Players | 1–2 players |
| Commitment | Quick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun) |
| Series | Space Invaders |
| ESRB | E |
| Legacy | Certified classic · legacy score 18 |
Developed by Taito and published by Nintendo, Space Invaders arrived on the Super Nintendo in 1997 as a shoot 'em up. This SNES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1978. It blends shoot 'em up and shooter elements.
It landed about 6 years into the SNES's life. Other notable SNES releases from 1997 include Kirby's Dream Land 3, The Lost Vikings 2 and Super Bomberman 5. Among the 53 SNES shoot 'em ups in our database, it ranks #1 by legacy score.
It is part of the Space Invaders series; on the SNES you can also try Space Invaders DX. The series also appears on other systems with Space Invaders (2600) and Space Invaders (NES). Taito also made Lufia & the Fortress of Doom, Arkanoid and Darius Twin for the SNES.
Space Invaders supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.
Pick it if…
- you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
- you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
- you have a friend to play against
- you want to experience one of the SNES's defining games
Maybe skip it if…
- you dislike high difficulty and screens full of bullets
What playing Space Invaders is like
Shoot 'em ups (shmups) put you in a ship facing waves of enemies and bullets. Runs are short and intense, and the goal is to survive, collect power-ups and push your high score.
Tip for newcomers: Focus on your ship's small hitbox rather than the flood of bullets, and learn which power-ups suit each stage. Most shmups are designed to be replayed many times.
Space Invaders cheats & codes
18 codes on file (Game Genie, Pro Action Replay). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Invincibility | DD6B-C4D9 |
|---|---|
| Infinite Lives | CB6F-37A9 |
| Infinite Ammo | 2CBB-AB01 |
Space Invaders walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Space Invaders.
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Playing SNES games today
The SNES library has aged exceptionally well, especially its RPGs, platformers and puzzle games. A large selection is available on Nintendo Switch Online, and if you own the cartridges you can play your backups in an emulator such as Rec0m88, including online with friends.
Space Invaders FAQ
When did Space Invaders come out on the SNES?
Space Invaders was released for the Super Nintendo in 1997; the original game dates back to 1978.
Who made Space Invaders?
It was developed by Taito and published by Nintendo.
Is Space Invaders multiplayer?
Yes. Space Invaders supports up to 2 players.
How long does Space Invaders take to play?
As a shoot 'em up, Space Invaders typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Space Invaders on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.